Biodiversity research and education at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

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Month: April 2016

Applications are invited for the position of a full time Research Assistant position on projects related to conservation science: bioeconomic modelling, land-use change and sustainability modelling.

An ideal candidate will demonstrate good critical thinking and independence in carrying out project tasks. With support from other team members, they will be exposed to multiple conservation science projects and expected to learn a range of modelling techniques with a strong focus on statistics and GIS.

This position would be ideal for individuals with a medium term plan of pursuing PhD studies in related disciplines.

The RA would have either a degree in ecology, geography, environmental sciences, environmental economics or related disciplines. Applicants with degrees in statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering or computing are also encouraged to apply.

The position is initially for one year with the possibility of extension to another year.

The salary is $3,000 per month (US$2,132) and includes medical benefits. CPF for Singaporean nationals are in addition to the salary.

Please send your CV including a section describing your quantitative skills, software you are familiar with and previous research work conducted using these skills (cover letter is not needed).

The successful applicant will join the BioEcon Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences of the National University of Singapore. The Department of Biological Sciences has over 60 faculty and 300 graduate students. Facilities and research support are world-class and the university and department are highly regarded internationally.

Project Tambun, a community project for the conservation of the Philippine megapode Megapodius cumingii [BurungTambun] on the Mantanani Islands, Sabah, Malaysia is proposed by the Sabah Society, Camps Borneo & Lord Cranbrook. See details in this document: Project Tambun MSc proposal.pdf

This topic is suitable for the “Lady Yuen Peng McNeice Graduate Fellowship” at the National University of SIngpore, which is awarded to outstanding students keen to pursue research in the Southeast Asian Biodiversity. This award is open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and graduates of an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) university.

Summary of job duties:
The successful applicant will join a team of researchers to determine an ecological network for Singapore. The field work involves vegetation assessments at different sites in Singapore. The applicant will employ scientific equipment and visual analysis for collecting plant and vegetation data. The applicant will assist in data entry into GIS databases of the observations, as well as perform necessary calculations. Hours will vary depending on the nature of data collection and the site for any particular day. The successful candidate will be trained in the required field and GIS techniques.

Requirements:
We are looking for someone who is familiar with vegetation assessment techniques such as using the spherical densitometer, and who understands what vegetation assessment entails. Past experience with plants and knowledge of plant species a bonus, but the latter is not compulsory. The person must be meticulous with an eye for detail in the field, willing to contribute to a unique island-wide project, and is interested in gaining research experience.

Must enjoy working outdoors, be physically fit, not be afraid of entering a forested area, and have good communication and interpersonal skills. The applicant should be self-motivated yet willing to learn new techniques and software, and able to work independently as well as with other team members. Minimum software requirement is the Microsoft Office suite.

Candidates that are interested should send an email introducing yourself with resume attached to:

Responsibilities
The Biodiversity Information and Policy branch under the National Biodiversity Centre is responsible for developing biodiversity information products and services, coordinating and promoting collaboration and partnerships in enhancing urban biodiversity and ecology in Singapore, driving the implementation of policies and guidelines pertaining to biodiversity conservation and managing the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

Key Roles
The successful applicant is required to facilitate and steer biodiversity research towards conservation priorities in support of Singapore’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, manage the research application and approval process, organize biodiversity research presentations, workshops and citizen science programmes and to regularly review the kind of biodiversity research being conducted in Singapore.

Requirements:

Degree in Biology or related discipline from a recognized university with at least 3 years of relevant work experience

Keen interest and passion in biodiversity conservation

Strong organization and analytical skills

Good writing and interpersonal / communication skills

Competence in database management and experience in using Global Information Systems (GIS) will be an advantage